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Kawasaki’s trusty Versys 650 is back with a few updates for 2022. Feature creep means the price reflects those updates, too. The base Versys 650 is now $8,899, and the Versys 650 LT starts at $9,999.
Unsurprisingly, the engine and chassis are the same old workhorses that built legions of Versys 650 fans (including a few Common Tread staffers). The most obvious updates affect the nose of the bike, where a new fairing design finally brings the Versys 650 into line with the rest of Kawi’s range.
Last updated in 2015, the Versys 650 was still rocking Kawasaki’s design language from a generation ago. With its new LED lights, the 650 will look right at home next to the Versys 1000 in showrooms.
The fairing revision wasn’t entirely aesthetic, however. The new design also adds a four-position adjustable windscreen that does not require tools when repositioning. Press a release button under the dash and the windscreen moves with one hand.
Speaking of the dash, Kawasaki grafted a 4.3-inch TFT display onto the bike with auto-adjusting backlighting, a shift light, and smartphone connectivity via the Rideology app.
One last update for the base model is the addition of Kawasaki Traction Control, or KTRC, with two modes. Mode 1 is meant to “manage traction during cornering and facilitate acceleration out of corners,” whereas Mode 2 kicks in earlier for “maximum grip.” A handlebar-mounted switch toggles modes or shuts off the KTRC system entirely. All these changes pushed the bike’s weight up slightly from a claimed 476.3 pounds to 482.9 pounds (curb).
For 2022, the Versys 650 will be offered in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black ($8,899) and Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black ($9,099). The 2022 Versys 650 LT only comes in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black ($9,999).
| 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $8,899 (base), $9,999 (LT) |
| Engine | 649 cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | N/A |
| Claimed torque | 44 foot-pounds @ 6,500 rpm |
| Frame | Steel tube |
| Front suspension | 41 mm fork, adjustable for preload and rebound; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Offset monoshock, adjustable for preload; 5.7 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual two-piston calipers, 300 mm discs with ABS |
| Rear brake | Single-piston caliper, 250mm disc with ABS |
| Rake, trail | 25.0 degrees, 4.3 inches |
| Wheelbase | 55.7 inches |
| Seat height | 33.3 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 gallons |
| Tires | Dunlop Sportmax D222, 120/70R17 front, 160/60R17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 482.9 pounds (base) |
| Available | 2022 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| More info | kawasaki.com |
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